Stewards News 2

[Messenger]

This could be a first, a trainer pleading guilty to a Cobalt charge and getting off with a suspended sentence

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/ne...ary-donaldson/

[Messenger]

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/ne...chael-bellman/

Michael Bellman has been given a 3 month suspension (from training and driving?) for inappropriate behaviour (which he has appealed)

I can't see you winning your appeal Michael, I would consider taking the suspension considering that racing could easily close down in the next 3 months.
I am not condoning his actions or wanting him to escape penalty, just saying it might be a smart move

Michael Bellman's appeal was unsuccessful

https://integrity.thetrots.com.au/ne...chael-bellman/

[Messenger]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#PCM12032206

[Showgrounds]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#PCM12032206

So much for me praising Luke McCarthy for his MM winning drive; half an hour later he comes out and treats punters with complete contempt on the favourite. He drove with no intent of putting the horse in the race. No doubt he will say he was "disappointed with the mare's performance" (the stewards have this phrase set as a macro) but no questions will be asked as to why he hooked the mare straight back to last.

I know Need You Know's NZ form very well. Her record would be even better if it weren't for running into Amazing Dream too often - 9 wins and 13 seconds gives you a clue. She has loads of gate speed and led up in plenty of races. Her last 4 NZ starts resulted in 2 wins and 2 placings, all group races, and she had an 89 rating. Last night she was driven like a last start Broken Hill placegetter.

[Messenger]

Why would Tupelo Beach get a QIP after its win at Shep last night?
Its form this long campaign has been 36323101431745 and now 1
And the times were all comparable
I will be interested in seeing who the stewards were

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#SPC18032202

[Messenger]

Nothing in the Stewards Column so we will have to await the report on R8 at Stawell today as Jason Lee (driving on an appeal) appeared to check the leader rather badly - well it looked like that (to Dan in the caller's box too)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#SWC21032203

[Messenger]

PP has multiple problems with how R2 at Port Pirie was run on Saturday night
He figures that Frank Pullicino got off way too easy with a fine for sending out Iden Forest in hopples shorter than registered and consequently it galloped and took no part
I am amazed that Corey Johnson only got 17 days for his disinterested drive on Clarenden Envoy. I don't think I have seen a drive with less intent (to win) other than the same driver on the same horse at his previous start!
PP is wrong for blaming Dani Hill for taking on the favourite at Tk Rec pace - it was not her, she was in the 1x1

https://www.harness.org.au/racing/fi...22#PPC19032204

[Messenger]

We will await the stewards report for R7 after the MM. The Honey Queen won but you would think the stewards should have been asking why stablemate and favourite I Need You Now stayed at the back of the field instead of following up Diamond Party's early 3w move when the initial speed slackened

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#PCM12032206

I NEED YOU NOW NZ– Pre - race blood sample. Stewards questioned Driver Luke McCarthy with regards to the performance of I NEED YOU NOW NZ which finished in 6th placing beaten 24 metres. Mr McCarthy advised Stewards that the mare had been working well in preparation for tonight’s event however may have been a little bit under prepared as a result of not being able to trial at the Menangle track since arriving from New Zealand as a result of the recent floods. Mr McCarthy advised Stewards that the mare hung in and raced roughly between the 600 metres and the 400 metres before balancing up and finishing strongly in the home straight. Mr McCarthy further advised that the stable may look to make some gear changes prior to the mare having its next start. After considering the explanation provided by Mr McCarthy, Stewards determined to note his comments.

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/ste...l/?mc=PC120322

Zip. Sounds like Luke has their measure

[Showgrounds]

Hmm. Look at making some gear changes. I would suggest racing her in the same gear she raced so successfully with in NZ.

[Messenger]

Nothing in the Stewards Column so we will have to await the report on R8 at Stawell today as Jason Lee (driving on an appeal) appeared to check the leader rather badly - well it looked like that (to Dan in the caller's box too)

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/fie...22#SWC21032203

Anthony Butt obviously thought so too but there cannot have been anything there

The all clear was delayed by stewards to allow Anthony Butt, the driver of the 4th placed Im Princess Bella an opportunity to review an incident entering the first turn when his filly broke gait when positioned to the inside of the 3rd placed Ash Park (Jason Lee). On review Mr Butt declined to object to the placings and the all clear was subsequently announced. At a further inquiry stewards found that Im Princess Bella broke gait free of interference and that there had been no contribution as a result of the positioning of Ash Park. Im Princess Bella was placed on its last chance to race truly

http://www.harness.org.au/racing/ste...l/?mc=SW210322